Tottenham Hotspur are in ongoing talks over a lucrative new contract for centre-back Luka Vuskovic, sources have told Football Insider.
The Lilywhites are fielding interest in the 19-year-old from several of Europe’s top clubs after an impressive loan spell at Hamburg, but they are working towards tying him down.
Spurs are keen to sweeten the starlet’s current deal in North London as a reward for his drastic progress this term, and sources say that they are ready to “pull out all the stops” with their offer to him.
The North Londoners have always planned for the centre-back to become one of their key first-team stars, but they are potentially facing a battle to keep him this summer.
Tottenham’s transfer plans are set to hinge on the outcome of their relegation battle in the coming weeks, and that will also have a major impact on Vuskovic’s future.
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Tottenham desperately trying to fend off Luka Vuskovic interest
Vuskovic has long since been earmarked for a big future at Tottenham, and he almost did enough to break into their first-team squad this term.
The Croatian impressed for the Lilywhites during their pre-season campaign, but Thomas Frank ultimately made the decision for him to head out on loan to the Bundesliga to get further experience.
He has since excelled during his time in Germany and has even managed to score six league goals across his 27 appearances for Hamburg so far.
Vuskovic has played a vital role for Merlin Polzin’s side as they have remained well clear of the relegation zone after their promotion last term, and that has naturally attracted attention from Bayern Munich.
Barcelona have also been continually linked with the starlet, while Football Insider revealed last week that Liverpool are also fighting for Vuskovic’s signature.
Tottenham have no intention of sanctioning a sale of the youngster this summer, but they are also aware that they need to seriously sweeten the deal for him if he is to be content with staying put.
Their attempts to hand him a substantial new deal are a clear acceptance of that, while they are hugely keen to have Vuskovic involved in their plans for next season.
Spurs line up Vuskovic amid Micky van de Ven exit latest
Football Insider revealed last week that Liverpool are still keen to sign Micky van de Ven, with the Reds viewing the Dutchman as an ideal long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from North London in recent months, with some of the world’s biggest clubs showing an interest in prising him away from Spurs.
His exit has begun to look increasingly likely heading into the latter stages of the campaign, and Vuskovic is being lined up to potentially step into his shoes if he moves on ahead of next term.
The starlet’s potential is viewed as being sky-high behind the scenes at Tottenham, who are desperate to ensure that he doesn’t go on to realise that potential at another club.
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